Education: B The Cure

Breast cancer screenings must be based on each woman’s individual risk factors. There is no “one size fits all approach.” Brem’s B the Cure program holds breast health events, led by expert educators, at community organizations, corporate offices and religious institutions. This life-saving curriculum teaches women about their real risk factors, corresponding screening options and the need to advocate for themselves.

Access: The B-Fund

When a woman has an abnormal screening mammogram or experiences worrisome symptoms, she needs a diagnostic test to know whether she has breast cancer. The Brem Foundation’s B-Fund pays for diagnostic tests for underinsured women in the DC area, giving them access to life-saving technologies and peace of mind - regardless of their background or financialsituation.

Physician Training: The Brem Fellowship

The Brem Foundation supports the only breast-imaging fellowship in the country with a required community service component.Brem Fellows participate in a year-long physician training program that incorporates deep commitment to the most state-of-the-arttechniques in breast cancer diagnosis with the highest standards of care and compassion

Re-Bra Initiative

The Brem Foundation’s Re-Bra initiative is a unique, unprecedented, and easy way for women – including those who haveundergone breast surgery - to donate their bras to underserved women who cannot afford bras of their own. Every donated bra is dry-cleaned and tagged with the Brem Breast Health Bill of Rights, providing the recipients with valuable breast health education.

Check out the latest in breast cancer news:

A recent study used CRISPR genome editing technology to learn more about previously unknown BRCA mutations that could increase risk for breast cancer. Researchers edited genes from lab-grown cells, allowing them to study over 4000 possible BRCA mutations to determine which were harmless and which were associated with increased risk. This information can be used to give women who are genetically tested more and better information about their risk.

Currently, about 20% of women have tumor tissue remaining in the breast after surgery because it is difficult for physicians to determine the difference between cancerous and healthy tissue with current methods. A new fluorescent tracer could change that by detecting any remaining breast cancer during the initial operation. This tracer would allow surgeons to remove less healthy breast tissue, as well as avoid follow-up surgeries, reducing the intensity of care for some patients.

A study shows that black women who face healthcare barriers are more likely to get follow-up mammograms if patient navigators assist them. The study also highlights that the ability to recognize barriers influenced whether women reported them and whether they received additional care. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize that barriers to screening may be present even if they are not reported.